New Astronaut Training Experience Center at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER – The race to Mars has already begun, and with the opening of the new Astronaut Training Experience®

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(ATX) at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex this December, guests will be the first to
“touch down” on the Red Planet. The all-new Astronaut Training Experience will use immersive
simulation technology to transport participants to Mars, train them to live and work in the
harshest environment, and teach them what it’s like to travel to the Red Planet, using real NASA
science to address engineering challenges.
Astronaut Training Experience will boast the most high-tech, hands-on activities available at
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex through two distinct programs: Astronaut Training
Experience, for which Training Segments will be available to guests as of December 18, and
Mars Base 1, which opens in January 2018. Astronaut Training Experience will provide an
opportunity for visitors to train like an astronaut preparing for a mission to Mars. Mars Base 1
will provide participants with a chance to live on Mars for seven hours, as “rookie astronauts,”
while performing base operations along with real science experiments and engineering tasks.
“We’re offering something that most people thought they would never get to do in their
lifetime,” Therrin Protze, chief operating officer of Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex said.
“For anyone who has wondered what it would be like to feel like an astronaut, to train like they
train, face the challenges and issues they have to work though while under extreme pressure,
Astronaut Training Experience and Mars Base 1 is now available to everyone.”

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Upon entering the Astronaut Training Experience Center, guests will be surrounded by ambiance
that replicates actual astronaut training techniques and experiences. A sleek design, realistic
signage and sophisticated technology provide a sense of authenticity. Excitement builds as
participants are handed life-like badges and special-issue t-shirts to immerse them in the
program, and their assignments, which are led by expertly trained educators – their “Trainers”
and “Lab Chiefs.”
Through the programs and associated assignments, participants will work together by taking on
specific roles to address challenges and solve problems:
In the Astronaut Training Experience program, groups of up to 24 will simultaneously work in
multiple training areas that will replicate astronaut training of the future. Trainees will attempt the
same physical tasks of the actual astronauts who will travel to Mars, by working within reproduced
environmental scenarios, such as the Land-and-Drive-on-Mars full-motion simulator, Walk-onMars
virtual reality, Launch Mission and Spacewalk Training.
Mars Base 1 provides the ultimate simulation of not just traveling to Mars, but living and
working there for an entire day. Offered to individuals and groups, the mission begins with a
“transport” to Mars. At three different stations within Mars Base 1, participants will be assigned
real-life challenges that require analytic thinking, communication and collaboration. For
example, in the Mars Engineering Lab, “rookie astronauts” will design and test a program that
allows a team of robots to efficiently clear debris from a photovoltaic panel, restoring maximum
solar power to the Base. They will also partner with scientists working on NASA’s Food
Production by planting, harvesting, and analyzing vegetables and plants as they gather data in a
series of controlled experiments taking place in the Mars Botany Lab.

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Now located among the other attractions at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex and offered
as an add-on to regular admission or purchased separately, Astronaut Training Experience
activities are designed with a focus on problem solving, communication and collaboration,
making them ideal for team building in an interesting and inspirational environment. Programs
will range from 30- and 45-minute experiences easily added to a Kennedy Space Center Visitor
Complex day, to a few hours or two, three- and five-day camp programs, providing the
opportunity to participate based on interest level and specific educational needs.
“The new Astronaut Training Experience Center is the most interactive and technologically
advanced experience at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex,” said Protze. “ATX and Mars
Base 1 bring the future of space exploration to life. Guests looking to get as close to Mars as
possible without actually becoming an astronaut will be able to have that opportunity at the new
Astronaut Training Experience Center.”
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex brings to life the epic story of the U.S. space program,
offering a full day or more of fun, inspiration and educational activities. Highlights include
Heroes & Legends, featuring the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame®, presented by Boeing, the
Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour featuring the Apollo/Saturn V Center with an actual Saturn V
moon rocket, Space Shuttle Atlantis®, Shuttle Launch Experience®, IMAX® A Beautiful Planet
3D and Journey To Space 3D films, Astronaut Encounter, Journey To Mars: Explorers Wanted,
Science on a Sphere®, Rocket Garden, Cosmic Quest, and many other exhibits.

Only 45 minutes from Orlando, Fla., Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex opens daily at 9 a.m. with closing
times varying by season. Please contact our office to purchase your discount Kennedy Space Center tickets TODAY!

A National Treasure Comes to Florida ~ Shuttle Atlantis

Ger Up Close and Personal

Ger Up Close and Personal

The Official Ticket Center ~ It is always exciting to know as much about space ships and their mysterious missions. But what if you have the opportunity to explore such amazing machinery in real-time – the excitement exceeds beyond all imaginations. And the same is true to the recently opened all new Space Shuttle Atlantis Exhibit at The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. This iconic Shuttle is finally grounded to all who wish to have the most incredible space experience ever.

The new permanent $100 million Exhibition is a dream come true experience for many. It promises some of the most thrilling and breathtaking sights, including 360-degree view of its centerpiece attraction and the world’s first reusable spacecraft- The Atlantis Space Shuttle. Thanks to KSC (Kennedy Space Center) for this unique opportunity.

After accomplishing 33 historic space missions, the nation’s most iconic space orbiter is now made available in such amazing and enticing display for all to explore. The loyal Floridians and KSC admirers also believed that no other space shuttle in the US is dedicated to this magnitude of showmanship. Moreover, the new Atlantis Exhibit is seen as a much welcomed addition to Florida’s ever-expanding space arsenal and is expected to boost visitors’ attendance by large numbers.

According to the many visitors and fans at the recently held grand preview party, it is all about getting up-close encounters with a real and incredible Space Ship for the first time in life. It appears as if the giant Shuttle is flying in space. From its meticulously perched angle, 30 feet above the ground, it unfolds the priceless story of an incredible engineering marvel, just inches away from the thousands of awe inspiring gazes. And as you delve in – you will be wowed by the jaw-dropping sights of this majestic orbiter- be it the opened payload bay doors or views of the outstretched robotic arm. Bathed in electrifying lighting, the mighty orbiter promises to fulfill the most fancied space dreams ever.

The space shuttle Atlantis is one of NASA‘s most beloved and nostalgic space-crafts that has ever landed for public viewing that is on a permanent display basis. While it becomes the dream shuttle for all the viewers and onlookers now, the giant orbiter also reflects a bitter sentiment with many. For the former astronauts and those who had worked with the Shuttle during its good old days, it’s a bit difficult to accept the amazing machinery as a mere show-piece. But at the same time they have also expressed their feelings of pride while viewing the space craft in such magnificent and exhilarating display.

For Kennedy Space Center tickets, discount Disney World tickets and passes, and other Orlando theme park tickets, including Universal Studios tickets and Sea World tickets you can call us today toll free at 1-877-406-4836.




Kennedy Space Center Visitors Complex Offer Guests Rare Sneak Peak Of Atlantis

“Sneak-a-Peek” for a Limited Time, Nov. 3-11 ~ Today and continuing through Nov. 11, visitors to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex will have a limited opportunity to see Space Shuttle Atlantis inside its new home.

Atlantis was set to arrive today at the visitor complex from Kennedy Space Center and begin its new mission as the dramatically displayed centerpiece of a $100 million exhibit scheduled to open in July 2013. Atlantis is scheduled to be moved inside the 90,000-square-foot exhibit building, which has been under construction since January.

Guests will be able to “Sneak-a-Peek” at the orbiter as part of regular admission to the visitor complex.

Construction will pause on weekends and weekday afternoons to allow visitors to have an up-close and personal look at Atlantis. A Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex tour guide will escort guests through the construction zone, provide information about the orbiter’s new home, and allow guests to take pictures and pose within the secured area.

“We are excited to offer this rare opportunity for Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex patrons,” said Bill Moore, chief operating officer of Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. “We know they will cherish seeing Atlantis in this unique setting before construction is completed and the exhibit is unveiled to the world next July.”

The “Sneak-a-Peek” tour of Atlantis in its new exhibit building will be offered:

Nov. 3, 4 – 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Nov. 5 to 9 – 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Nov. 10, 11 – 2 p.m. to 5.p.m.

Over the next month, Atlantis will be raised 36 feet off the ground and rotated about 43 degrees so that it will be showcased on an angle as if it were in space – only as the astronauts from its 33 missions have had a chance to see it. When it is displayed, its payload bay doors will be open and the Canadarm (robotic arm) extended.

Work will resume to enclose Atlantis in the exhibit building by completing construction of the final wall, which is expected by mid-December. Atlantis will be encapsulated in a protective wrap before that work begins.

($100 million exhibit scheduled to open in July 2013)

Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts has operated Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex for NASA since 1995. The Atlantis exhibit was designed by PGAV Destinations, architects headquartered in St. Louis, Mo. The Atlantis exhibit building is being constructed by Whiting-Turner Contracting Company in Orlando. The six-story exhibit is being built adjacent to the existing Shuttle Launch Experience.

A work of art in itself, the exterior of the Atlantis exhibit features two sweeping architectural elements, or “wings” representing the space shuttle’s launch and return. The outer layer of the building, which is being cloaked in iridescent hues of orange and gold, represents the fiery-glow of re-entry. The taller, internal wing of the building is being covered in a shimmering tile pattern in varying tones of gray designed to represent the tiled underside of the orbiter.

Kennedy Space Center Tickets

UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT REVEALS MAJOR ATTRACTION NEWS

Orlando, Fla. (May 19, 2011) – Universal Orlando Resort today announced that its newest attraction will be based on Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment’s blockbuster 3-D-CGI feature “Despicable Me,” bringing minions, mayhem and a whole new level of 3-D family fun to its guests. The “Despicable Me” experience will replace the Jimmy Neutron attraction at Universal Studios Florida. Continue reading

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex 10 Year Master Plan

NASA officials announced on 4/12/11 that Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex has been selected to permanently display space shuttle Atlantis upon retirement of the Space Shuttle Program. Atlantis, one of three orbiters in the space shuttle fleet, will fly the last scheduled space shuttle mission before being retired in 2011. 

 

The $100 million exhibit for Atlantis will be the marquee element of Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex’s 10-year master plan. Initial design concepts for the 65,000 square-foot home for the space-flown orbiter include viewing the space shuttle “in flight,” showing how the spacecraft worked in space and providing a unique vantage point for guests to look at the complex vehicle up close. Complementing the orbiter display will be interactive features reflecting major accomplishments of the Space Shuttle Program, including the Hubble Space Telescope and the International Space Station.

 

Officials with Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex plan to break ground on Atlantis’ new home in 2012 with a grand opening planned for 2013. The orbiter home will be located in the Shuttle Plaza at the main Visitor Complex; incorporating the Shuttle Launch Experience attraction. To purchase your Kennedy Space Center Tickets, please call our office toll free at 1-877-406-4836 TODAY.

Kennedy Space Center and the Last Mission of Discovery

 

Kennedy Space Center ~ Shuttle Discovery’s Final Voyage! You won’t see this kind of action at any of the Orlando theme parks! On November 1, 2010 at 4:40pm, Shuttle Discovery will make her final voyage into space. It is currently out on the launch pad, so don’t pass up this chance to catch a glimpse of it while on the KSCVC bus tour. This will be the last time it will be possible to view Discovery. Continue reading

A Countdown of Countdowns: The Space Shuttle’s Finale

A Countdown of Countdowns: The Space Shuttle's Finale

A Countdown of Countdowns: The Space Shuttle's Finale

Kennedy Space Center Visitors Complex ~ At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, flags swing in the breeze as space shuttle Endeavour approaches Launch Pad 39A. Image credit: NASA/Kim ShiflettFor 50 years, NASA’s been famous for counting backward from 10 to zero. But a final countdown is now under way that will stand out among them all. Continue reading

Kennedy Space Center ~ Atlas V 531: AEHF-1 Satellite Set For July 30th Launch

 

Kennedy Space Center Atlas V Launch Set For July 30th.

Kennedy Space Center Atlas V Launch Set For July 30th.

 

New-Generation Military Communications Satellite Ready For Delivery To Support Mid-2010 Launch

Kennedy Space Center Visitors Complex ~ Lockheed Martin  has completed all factory testing of the first satellite in the Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) program and the spacecraft is ready for delivery to Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., where it will be prepared for a mid-2010 liftoff aboard an Atlas V launch vehicle.

Continue reading

Science On a Sphere® Debuts at the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame

 

NASA's Kennedy Space Center and Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex unveiled a new exhibit on April 22, 2010

NASA's Kennedy Space Center and Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex unveiled a new exhibit on April 22, 2010

 

Kennedy Space Center, Fla. (April 30, 2010) –

 

NASA’s Kennedy Space Center and Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex unveiled a new exhibit on April 22, 2010, Science On a Sphere, at the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame in Titusville. Science On a Sphere is a global display that takes visitors on a three-dimensional journey around the world and throughout the solar system via dynamic, animated images of the atmosphere, oceans and planets. Continue reading

STAR TREK LIVE BLASTS OFF AT KENNEDY SPACE CENTER THIS SUMMER

 

- STAR TREK LIVE, A new interactive stage show at the Kennedy Space Visitors Complex

STAR TREK LIVE, A new interactive stage show at the Kennedy Space Visitors Complex

 

 KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. (April 12, 2010)STAR TREK LIVE, a new interactive stage show from CBS Consumer Products and Mad Science® Productions, will make its worldwide debut at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex on June 11, 2010. Continue reading